Get the Latest Updates on TIA 1594
1/30/23- ALTS 2023 General Session
IAFF General President Edward Kelly announced at ALTS that the IAFF has retained three nationally recognized law firms to change regulatory standards, demand PFAS-free gear, and be available to be retained by members and families seeking compensation for PFAS-related illness.
9/10/21 - NFPA Standards Council DENIES TIA 1594
The NFPA Standards Council voted to deny TIA 1594 on NFPA 1971.
The NFPA has turned their backs on firefighters in protecting them from toxic chemicals in their gear by denying IAFF President Ed Kelly’s appeal for TIA 1594.
To say we’re disappointed is an understatement.
Now, we regroup on next steps. More to come…
8/25/21 - NFPA Standards Council Meeting Underway…Appeal Hearing Update
The NFPA Standards Council Meeting wrapped up the appeals hearing, which will feed tomorrow’s closed deliberation sessions.
We are thrilled with the appeal that IAFF General President Ed Kelly and IAFF Director of Science and Research Derek Urwin presented. It was hard hitting, backed by science and logic, and left little room for debate. The closing statements from Ottawa Local 162, Neil McMillan and NFPA Task Force member, Jeff Stull drove it home with facts, tribute to the brothers and sisters who are battling cancer, and more logic and science.
The opposition was led by NFPA 1971 Technical Committee Chair, Tim Tomlinson and Jim Reidy of the Texas State Association of Firefighters.
The NFPA said that the next step will be deliberation on 8/26 and did not disclose a timeline as to when the final decision will be announced. Once finalized, the NFPA will post the final decision HERE.
8/24/21 - NFPA Standards Council Meeting Underway
It’s finally happening! The NFPA Standards Council Meeting begins today and runs through Thursday (8/26). They will be listening to the TIA 1594 appeal tomorrow from GP Ed Kelly (IAFF), Derek Urwin (IAFF) or his alternate Neil McMillan (Ottawa Local 162).
If you’re interested in joining the hearing session, you can email Mary Maynard at the NFPA for an access link. Let her know you’re interested in joining as an observer, your affiliation, and that you’re interested in TIA 1594. Her email is mmaynard@nfpa.org.
The hearing session begins at 10:30aEST, but word on the street is that TIA 1594 will be the final hearing of the day and will happen shortly after 12pEST, but that isn’t 100%. We are planning on logging on around 11:30aEST to be sure to catch it!
8/24/21 - Chemical Watch: US firefighters push for end to test that prevents PFAS-free gear
“Firefighters from across the US have called for a change to a 15-year-old testing standard that effectively prohibits state and other fire departments from being able to purchase protective gear that is free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)….”
Read the full article from Chemical Watch by clicking the button below.
8/20/21 - APS Radio w. Jim Burneka, Neil McMillan, and Sean Mitchell on TIA 1594 for NFPA 1971
Host Jim Burneka speaks with Neil McMillan from Ottawa Firefighters Local 162 and Nantucket (MA) Fire Department Deputy Chief Sean Mitchell. They discuss the recently released Public Comments for NFPA 1971 TIA 1594.
Click the video to watch or listen to the podcast version HERE.
8/13/21 - The Technical Committee Ballot and Public Comments are Live on NFPA.org
The NFPA posted the final Technical Committee ballot which includes their vote on TIA 1594. See the ballot HERE.
The NFPA also posted all of the Public Comments submitted for TIA 1594. Read all the comments HERE.
The Technical Committee vote was very close and with 179 public comments in support of the TIA, there was an overwhelming plea for a PFAS-free PPE option.
Now what?
The NFPA Standards Council will meet from August 24-26, 2021 and vote on the TIA keeping in mind the Technical Committee votes AND all the public comments.
7/28/21 - Humpday Hangout: Forever Chemicals and Firefighter Protective Clothing
On this week’s Humpday Hangout, Frank Ricci talks with Jim Burneka and Dr. Graham Peaslee about the NFPA open comment period for protective clothing.
Click the video to watch or listen to the podcast version HERE.
7/14/21 - Firefighters and PFAS Panel Session at the EWG PFAS Conference
Hear POWERFUL first-hand testimonials about how PFAS affects our firefighters.
Panel: Lt. Bryan Goodman, Deputy Chief Sean Mitchell, Kevin Ferrara
Moderator: Melanie Benesh, EWG
7/13/21 - E&E News: Firefighters face hurdles in quest for PFAS-free gear
“Firefighters want the option to wear protective gear that doesn't contain toxic chemicals. The only problem? The very garment manufacturers whose gear contains PFAS sit on the standard-setting committee they must convince.”
Read the full article by Ariel Wittenberg by clicking the button below.
7/14/21 - IAFF President, Ed Kelly’s Keynote at the EWG PFAS Conference
"We must do more to stop these exposures and remove these chemicals from our work environments. We will stand strong with our coalition partners to improve the health of our members and the public from these harmful chemicals." -Ed Kelly, IAFF President
Watch the full video on Facebook.
7/12/21 - The 25 Live
A quick video discussing the NFPA 1971 TIA 1594 that would remove the UV light test and give manufacturer's the opportunity to design and distribute PFAS free Fire Gear.
Featuring host Jim Burneka, Dr. Kyla Bennett (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility), Neil McMillan (Local Ottawa 162), Deputy Chief Sean Mitchell (Nantucket Fire Department)
7/11/21 - Call to Action: Comment on Proposed TIA 1594 on NFPA 1971
“The IAFF is urging members to support amending NFPA 1971 (Standards on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting) with Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) 1594, which will eliminate the UV light degradation test for moisture barriers in turnout gear….
Submitted by IAFF General President Ed Kelly, TIA 1594 recognizes the need to develop PFAS-free alternatives in firefighter turnout gear….
Rest assured, the IAFF will not endorse an alternative until it is vetted and thoroughly tested by our own newly established IAFF Science and Research Department to ensure it is safe for members to wear.”
Read the full Call to Action by clicking the button below.
7/5/21 - NFPA 1971 Technical Committee Voted on TIA 1594
We’re waiting on official records of how the committee voted, but it will be CLOSE.
Every Public Comment made will make a difference once TIA 1594 goes to the Standards Council meeting (Aug 24-26, 2021).
Please use your voice to give firefighters the freedom to choose PFAS-free PPE. Click below to submit your comment to the NFPA now.